News article

one year ago - 6/3/2019

10 talking points after the 10th EHF FINAL4

HC Vardar are the winners of the VELUX EHF Champions League 2018/2019, after claiming their second title. Their journey to the trophy at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne was magnificent and a joy to witness. Congratulations Vardar!

Here are the last 10 talking points of the season, symbolising the 10-year anniversary of the FINAL4 in Cologne.

10 is the number

There could have been no better way to finish the 10th anniversary of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 than having player number 10 score the trophy-winning goal.

HC Vardar’s Latvian international Dainis Kristopans, who wears the number 10 shirt, secured the decisive goal in the 27:24 victory.

Kristopans had a great season, tallying 94 goals in the competition. Only Kielce’s Alex Dujshebaev scored more – 99 – and he claimed the Champions League 2018/19 top scorer trophy, becoming the first Spaniard ever to do so.

HC Vardar made history two years ago by winning their maiden EHF Champions League title, as they were the first Macedonian side to take the title in Europe’s top competition. Winning it again in 2019, Vardar became only the third team to raise the trophy at the EHF FINAL4 in Cologne twice.

Only THW Kiel (2010 and 2012) and Barça (2011 and 2015), have achieved that in the 10-year history of the event in Cologne.